2021 Equestrian Awards Contest Winners

2021 Contest Winner - Megan Hamilton

Finley Hamilton, age 11, and Focalize Dew Drop, her nine year old Belgian Sport Pony, celebrating after the 1.05m Jumper Classic held at the Desert International Horse Park in Thermal, California. Finley and "Dew Drop" have been a team for three years, and both of them love competing in the desert. Finley loves the beautiful ribbons awarded at the Desert International Horse Park and considers them extra special because the competition is so fierce. Her goal for 2021 is to compete with “Dew Drop” at the U.S. Pony Finals Jumper Championship in Lexington, Kentucky. She plans to treat “Dew Drop” to her favorite treats with a portion of her prize money! Photo taken and submitted by Megan Hamilton.

2021 Honorable Mention - Anna Payne

Photographed are Anna Payne and To Hott To Touch, “Willie”, an 8 year old gelding. Anna and Willie have gone through many hardships and pulled through! At the conclusion of Anna’s season, she had to put Willie down due to a tragic accident. This did not stop her, but motivated her. Anna put her trust in God for her new UPGRADE. Anna is going to use this money to put towards leg wraps, bits, and more for her new UPGRADE. After 3 weeks of Anna’s tragic death of her horse; she received a new horse, and saw God’s work fulfilled.

2021 Honorable Mention - Christy Conway-Chester

Photographed are Colton Chester and “Sweet Tea,” a Welsh cross pony, at their first Pony derby at the South Carolina Equine Park. “Sweet Tea” is a 22 year old gelding who has taught many children “the ropes” in the hunter ring and has taken 5 successful trips to National Pony Finals. Colton and “Sweet Tea” were awarded the High Point Horse and Rider Award from the North Carolina Hunter Jumper Association. “Sweet Tea” resides at Oak Manor Equestrian in Mount Ulla, NC where Colton lives and trains with his mother and father, who are also the owners/instructors at Oak Manor Equestrian.

Photo was taken and submitted by Christy Conway-Chester.

2021 Honorable Mention - Hilary Turner

Addison Turner has been riding “Slow Motion” aka “Jimmy” for about a year and is so excited about being able to lease him and grow even more! “Jimmy” is owned by Amy Miller the owner of Seahorse Stables in Belfast Maine where Addison has been riding for the last 5 years. “Jimmy” is a 10 year old 15.2hh Warmblood. Amy has owned him since he was 3 years old. “Jimmy” has competed in the hunter and equitation rings all over New England. Addison plans on putting her prize money towards the purchase of her first saddle.

2021 Honorable Mention - Suzanne Bowmar

Pictured is Sinatra, a Hanoverian gelding owned by Wesley Fox, showing off his ribbons at the Sue Hubbell Hunters and Jumpers barn. “Dallas”, as he’s known in the barn, got his show name of Sinatra after demonstrating a liking of Frank Sinatra’s songs. “Dallas” is planning to use his prize money to buy as many carrots as he can. Photo by Suzanne Bowyer.

2021 Honorable Mention - Judy Ward

Photographed are Judy Ward and “Clark Kent” after their century ride at Woodbine Farm Dressage Show in Chelsea, Michigan. Judy is 80 years old and “Kent” is over 25. “Kent” came thru the auction system and we do not know his exact age. “Kent” has done eventing, 4-H, trail and handicapped riding. He has always been so calm and willing to do whatever was asked of him, therefore Clark was added to his name. “Kent” is now officially “Clark Kent”. Laurie von Hofe (my friend) took the picture“A ribbon, of course, for a century rider and horse”

2021 Honorable Mention - Breanne Palmerini

Photographed is “Dread Pirate Robby”, an OTTB after the Cobblestone Farms USEA Horse Trials in 2017. “Robby” was 11 at the time of the photo. Ridden and owned by Breanne Palmerini, this was the pair’s first preliminary level event and they finished fourth. A major accomplishment for the pair. “Robby” passed away last year and made the memory of this event and one of their biggest successes even more special. Breanne has since purchased a half brother to “Robby”, a two year old Texas Thoroughbred named “Ziggy”, and will use the prize money to spoil him. Photographed by Breanne’s husband, Jordan Nagel.

2021 Honorable Mention - Lindsay Brock

Photographed are U.S. grand prix rider Georgina Bloomberg and “Quibelle” after winning the $35,700 Welcome Stake of North Salem CSI3*, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, at the Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows. “Quibelle” is an 11-year-old Hanoverian mare (FRH Quaid x Stakkato) owned by Gotham Enterprizes, LLC. Of the special win, Georgina said, “Old Salem is where I grew up riding and it’s where most of my childhood memories are from. I rode here for over 15 years, so to be able to come back and compete here has so much meaning for me.” Photo was taken and submitted by Lindsay Brock of Jump Media.

2021 Honorable Mention - Darlene Reynolds

Featured in this photo are Tessa Hope Reynolds and her lease pony “Feather”, a 15 year old Appaloosa mare standing 14.2 HH. Tessa and “Feather” were participating the local WPRD (Western PA Riding and Driving Club) two day horse show. “Feather” was a new lease of only a few weeks before this show, but Tessa and “Feather” were able to place 4th in the Pony Halter class and won the blue ribbon in the Novice Pony event! Tessa has ridden for several years, but it’s only been the past 3 years that she has pursued showing. Tessa enjoys her lessons at Hobbs Hollow Stable in Meadville, PA, and her instructor, Ms. Lee. Tessa is looking forward to spending her winnings on any new pink tack or putting it towards future show fees. Tessa’s mom, Darlene, took Tessa’s picture; she is always sharing Tessa’s adventures on Social Media.

2021 Honorable Mention - Marlene Nichols

These two girls are students of mine. For fun this year I decided to hold a Halloween Fun Play day. These two girls were our High Point award winners. Nine year old Khloe has been riding since she was five years old. During Covid she dove deep into riding, bonding with her APHA gelding “Rowdy” and her instructor Marlene Nichols. She won Grand Champion. Aubree is a beginner rider. Winning Reserve Champion means so much to her: it was an incredible boost to her confidence as she truly loves riding.

2021 Honorable Mention - Char Shelton

5 year old Jade, standing with her ribbons and winnings at the JCQH Buckle Show. She just started riding in June at Just Country Quarter Horses (JCQH) Horse Camps. She competed in her first show Sept 26 and placed in 4 of her 5 classes. She now takes lessons twice a week at JCQH in Stoutland MO with Char Shelton. She is a horsewoman in the making and one happy horse crazy girl! The prize money will go towards the 2021 JCQH Buckle Show which is a free show for all participants. Photo credit by Ashley Hendrix and submitted by Char Shelton.

2021 Honorable Mention - Amy Haygreen

Photographed are "Otto P.," a Friesian stallion, and owner Amy Haygreen. Otto P. is an 8 year old stallion who actively competes in dressage, although he has won championships in multiple disciplines. “Otto” is currently competing in 3rd Level Dressage with trainer Caitlin Oikemus, and also competes at lower levels with his owner Amy. “Otto P”. lives at Stone Mountain Creek Farm in North Carolina and trains at CAO Dressage. Amy is planning to use the prize money for this photograph to put towards music for “Otto's” 3rd Level Musical Freestyle which “Otto” hopes to debut in the 2021 show season! Photo was taken by Sherry Sebastian Billings, Amy Haygreen's mother and “Otto P.'s” "grandma."